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Declan Duffy

All Pokémon TCG Live Starter Decks: Overview of Evolutions and Deck Descriptions

The Pokémon Company International just rolled out a new, digital version of its popular trading card game, named Pokémon TCG Live. This new platform is welcoming with nine ready-to-play starter decks aimed at newcomers and casual fans.

Pokémon TCG Live came to life on June 8, taking over from Pokémon Trading Card Game Online. It came with a fresher look and did away with the HeartGold and SoulSilver series. All new players get eight starter decks for free when they sign up. Finish the tutorial, and you grab the Chien-Pao deck from the Battle Pass, at no cost.

Here’s what you get for free in Pokémon TCG Live:
– Arcanine ex
– Chien-Pao ex
– Giratina VSTAR
– Koraidon ex
– Lunatone & Solrock
– Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR
– Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR
– Regieleki VMAX
– Serperior VSTAR

Image of the nine starter decks on Pokémon TCG Live

All starter decks. Image via The Pokémon Company
For newbies, figuring out which Pokémon evolves into what can be a tad confusing. So, I’ve made it simpler by explaining the evolution path for each starter deck in Pokémon TCG Live. Plus, I’ve listed the base Pokémon that don’t evolve.

Arcanine ex Pokémon TCG Live starter deck evolutions

Arcanine ex is the star here, supported by a new card, Arven.
Charmander evolves into Charmeleon, then Charizard. Growlithe turns into Arcanine ex. Bidoof becomes Bibarel. Heatmor, Moltres, and Radiant Charizard don’t evolve.

Chien-Pao ex Pokémon TCG Live starter deck evolution

This deck has strong standalone Basic Pokémon. But some do evolve to add more punch.
Frigibax goes to Arctibax, then Baxcalibur. Wailmer turns into Wailord. Chein-Pao ex, Lumineon V, Manaphy, and Radiant Greninja don’t evolve.

Giratina VSTAR Pokémon TCG Live starter deck evolutions

Giratina VSTAR powers up with Help from Comfey and Colress’s Experiment for the Lost Zone setup. Once four cards fill the Lost Zone, Cramorant attacks for free. Giratina V evolves into Giratina VSTAR. Cramorant, Lumineon V, Comfey, Sableye, and Snorlax don’t evolve.

Koraidon ex Pokémon TCG Live starter deck evolutions

Draw more cards with Revaroom’s Rumbling Engine in this aggressive deck. Riolu evolves into two different Lucarios. Varoom turns into Revavroom. Koraidon ex, Great Tusk ex, and Diancie stay as is.

These decks are just the beginning. Playing more will teach you to mix and match for the best strategy. Have fun exploring Pokémon TCG Live and finding your favorite deck!